Bashar al Assad isolated as Saudis condemn Syria crackdown

Syrian president Bashar al Assad was facing increasing isolation in the Middle East today as Arab neighbours broke their silence and condemned his bloody assault on the opposition.

As Syrian tanks and troops continued their attack on rebel cities, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia demanded an end to bloodshed and recalled his country's ambassador from Damascus.

It came hours after the Arab League issued its first official statement, strongly condemning the violence. The six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council also criticised Syria's "use of excess force." Jordan's foreign minister Nasser Judeh called the escalation in violence "disturbing".

Yesterday more than 50 people died as Syria's army assaulted the eastern city of Deir al-Zour during the dawn call to prayer. Some 26 were killed in the town of Hula, including a 10-year-old boy. It follows last week's siege of Hama, in which scores died.

In a statement broadcast by the Saudi-owned al-Arabiya channel, King Abdullah said: "Any sane Arab, Muslim or anyone else knows that this has nothing to do with religion, or ethics or morals; spilling the blood of the innocent for any reasons or pretext leads to no path to hope. The kingdom of Saudi Arabia ... demands an end to the killing-machine and bloodshed."

Saudi columnist Hussein Shobokshi said the statement - by an absolute monarchy that bans political opposition - could pave the way for other states to wash their hands of Mr Assad. "This will open up the gate for other countries to follow suit," he said. "I think the Syrian government is doomed."

Tomorrow Turkish foreign minister Ahmet Davutoglu will visit Syria. Prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said Ankara has "run out of patience" with Mr Assad's government and could no longer "remain a spectator".

Some 2,000 people may have died during Syria's five-month uprising. Mr Assad insists he is fighting against criminals and armed extremists.